The Ultimate Skincare Routine for Runners, Cyclists and Outdoor Athletes

Outdoor training is great for your body and mind, but your skin takes a real beating. Sun, wind, sweat, dirt and pollution can leave your skin dehydrated, irritated or prone to breakouts. For runners, cyclists and athletes who spend hours outside a targeted skincare routine is just as important as stretching or hydration.

The good news, you don’t need a complex skincare routine. With our plant powered skincare range, you can protect, hydrate and repair your skin mile after mile, ride after ride.

Here’s our ultimate skincare routine for outdoor athletes, tailored to support active skin in the UK climate.

Why Outdoor Athletes Need a Special Skincare Routine

Exercise outdoors exposes your skin to:

• UV radiation and sun damage
• Drying wind and changing temperatures
• Sweat, bacteria, and friction from clothing
• Pollution and environmental toxins

Without the right care, this can lead to:

• Dryness, irritation, and redness
• Breakouts on sweat-prone areas
• Sunburn and premature skin aging
• Long-term damage to your skin barrier

A simple, consistent skincare routine can prevent these issues while keeping your skin healthy and resilient.

Pre-Workout Skincare Routine for Outdoor Athletes

Cleanse Gently (Optional)

If you’ve been out earlier in the day or wearing makeup or SPF, a gentle cleanse before training removes residue that can mix with sweat and trap bacteria in your pores.

Apply Lightweight Protection

Our Rebel Creamy Glow  Moisturiser is perfect for pre-workout. Made with golden Buriti Oil and Shea Butter, it hydrates and creates a breathable barrier.

Tip: For long outdoor sessions, combine with a sport friendly SPF to protect against UV rays.

During Training

• Pat skin gently to remove sweat with a clean towel, avoid rubbing
• Avoid touching your face with your hands or cycling gloves
• Stay hydrated internally, water helps your skin recover as you move

Post Workout Skincare Routine

Rinse and Cleanse Quickly

Try to cleanse your face and exposed areas within 30 minutes of finishing your workout. Remove sweat, oil and environmental debris to prevent breakouts or irritation.

Soothe and Restore

Our Rebel  Creamy Blue  Moisturiser is designed for sensitive, post exercise skin. With calming Blue Tansy, balancing Watermelon Seed and Castor Oil, it calms, soothes irritation and restores hydration without clogging your pores.

Lock in Extra Moisture

If your skin feels dry, windburned or exposed after long runs or cycling sessions, apply our Rebel Glow Balm to your dry patches, chapped lips or irritated areas. It's rich, plant powered formula seals in hydration and protects your skin barrier.

Rehydrate All Over

Our Rebel Rehydration Lotion is perfect for full-body hydration after outdoor training. Lightweight, fast absorbing and non-greasy, it restores moisture while keeping sweat prone areas fresh and balanced.

Sport-Specific Tips

Runners: Focus on your face, neck and chest. Sweat and friction from your clothing can cause irritation.

Cyclists: Don’t forget your hands and arms, wind and sun exposure can dry your skin quickly.

Trail or outdoor athletes: Legs and calves are prone to dryness, use our lightweight rehydration lotion or Glow Balm when needed.

Expert Tip from Rebel Natured

“Outdoor exercise is fantastic for overall health but sweat, wind and UV exposure can compromise your skin barrier. Protecting, hydrating and restoring your skin before and after exercise helps reduce breakouts, irritation and long-term damage. Lightweight, plant powered products are ideal for athletes who want practical, ethical and effective skincare on the move.”

Travel Ready Skincare for Outdoor Athletes

All our Rebel Natured products come in travel friendly 100ml aluminium tins and bottles, making it easy to pack your skincare for weekend races, early morning rides or training camps.

Your Athlete Skincare Kit could include:

Pre-run/run: Cleanse + Rebel Creamy Glow 

Mid-training or post sweat: Cleanse + Rebel Creamy Blue 

Dry or exposed areas: Rebel Glow Balm

All over hydration: Rebel Rehydration Lotion 

Skincare That Keeps Up With Your Active Lifestyle

Your skin is your largest organ and like your muscles it performs best with support. Our Rebel Natured skincare range is built for movement, sweat and recovery. Plant powered, lightweight, sturdy and travel size ready, just what every runner, cyclist and outdoor athlete needs.

Ready to protect, hydrate and restore your skin during outdoor training?

Shop the Rebel Natured Collection

Disclaimer

As with all skincare products, we recommend performing a patch test before full application, especially if you have sensitive or acne prone skin. Apply a small amount to a discreet area and wait 24 hours to check for any reaction.

In addition to all of our products always use an appropriate SPF for UV and sun damage protection.